As a result of a bit of a wind storm, I am about to leap into log production of Shiitake mushrooms. Shiitake mushrooms can be more efficiently produced using bags of sawdust, but that method requires the growth medium the being kept indoors in a controlled climate. Something I don’t have the time or money for.
Shiitake mushroom log production is far simpler and it all happens outdoors. We have a couple of acres, mostly bush, and because of the storm we now have some logs.
I am going to try this on some smaller diameter birch, and some larger diameter poplar. According to what I have read, it is better to do this with the top branches because the heartwood contains chemicals that suppress fungi growth. Since
Since this is going to be my first run at this, I am not expecting tremendous results. I want to experiment a little to find out what works best with the mix of trees and conditions we have here on our property.
I was lucky enough to find a local producer of sawdust impregnated spawn, Summer Green Farm. He has both oyster and shiitake spawn on hand. I haven’t yet decided for sure if I will try both, but I am kind of leaning that way.
The logs have to be cut before the tree leafs out in the spring, or after leaves drop in the fall. It is suggested that the inoculating occur four to eight weeks after the logs are cut. This provides time for the tree’s fungus fighting abilities have stopped being present. There is a bit of an issue here. If you wait too long, other naturally occurring fungi may contaminate the logs. I am going to inoculate over a stretch of time and compare results. A walk through the bush in the back of the property certainly provides evidence of naturally occurring fungi.
My research says white oak is numero uno for shiitake mushrooms. Other hardwoods that give good results include the rest of the oak family, beech, birch, alder, sugar maple, red maple, balsam poplar, trembling aspen, willow and hickories. So my birch and poplar will be a useful test case.
The process itself is straightforward: cut your tree material into 4 foot long logs (for ease of handling). Drill holes in the log in rows, following the axis of the log, about five inches apart. The rows should be separated by 3 inches.
A measured amount of the spawn product is inserted into each hole (about a thimble full) and the holes are sealed with wax. An alternative to wax is “backer rod,” a polyfoam product that is used to save caulking. It is available at hardware stores.
The finished logs can be stacked in the shade, in a log cabin or crib style, or they may be leaned against a horizontal pole as in a lean-to. This allows rain to moisten the logs moderately without them becoming sodden.
Coating the shiitake log ends with wax will help prevent the infection of the logs with undesirable fungi. This will also help prevent the log from prematurely drying out.
The site the logs are placed in should receive 60 to 85 % shade.
Logs inoculated in the spring may produce some fruiting in the fall. The full bloom will not occur till the next year. Oak logs will fruit for up to five years. Other species will produce for fewer years.
I will be reporting in on this effort when there is news to report. It is not expensive to jump into this. Two pounds of spawn impregnated sawdust costs $27.00. You could do this in your backyard if you provide some shade, and provide sufficient moisture to prevent the logs from drying out to fast. You can experiment with different arrangements of logs, different amounts of supplemental moisture and different tree species. Get in touch with local tree trimmers and let them know you are looking for oak branches about 5 inches in diameter. Or maple, or hickory or beech.
My attitude is, spend a few bucks and the worst that can happen is I will wind up with some gourmet mushrooms. The best that can happen is I may wind up with some gourmet mushrooms and a highly desirable product I can sell at my local farmers market. or even to high end restaurants in my area.
